Branch Lake
Branch Lake is a rockfill dam located in Hancock County, Maine, built in 1911. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Branch Lake
The primary purpose of Branch Lake is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Ellsworth (local government). It impounds the Branch Lake Stream near Ellsworth.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 294 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,703 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 31 square miles. Completed in 1911, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/13/2022.
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Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Hancock |
| Nearest City | Ellsworth |
| River/Stream | Branch Lake Stream |
| Coordinates | 44.56761, -68.50664 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 294 ft |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,703 acres |
| Drainage Area | 31 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Ellsworth |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00265 |
| Federal ID | ME00265 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |